Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was an unforgettable trip that introduced me to new friends and new places. Past Review

By (University of Rochester) - abroad from 02/17/2012 to 06/26/2012 with

IES Abroad: Sydney Direct Enrollment - University Of New South Wales

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was definitely worthwhile. I now know I love to travel and that I want to do it more frequently. Australia does not present as big of a culture shock as other parts of the world, but the culture and beliefs still varied, were consciously noted, and I greatly value the new perspectives they have given me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Enormous school with many resources to take advantage of and people to meet.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Extremely nice and helpful staff, although the department in charge of housing could have been more friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in a well kept apartment off of Coogee Beach and it was amazing! The housing staff out of UNSW, however, could have been more friendly.

* Food:

Other than being a little more expensive than I'm used to, it was delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone was so friendly, it was hard not to fit it and become involved, but if you really want to become integrated with the culture, live on campus or with all Australians. Try to do a homestay.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to get a job if you're short of money and plan your traveling very carefully. Choose where you want to go and be selective about it because you cannot afford to go everywhere you want.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location; Australia is amazing.
  • Meeting so many new people and making new friends.
  • Trying new things. For example, getting Open Water Scuba Diving certified.
* What could be improved?
  • The finals schedule was a little hectic and dates were unforgiving for the most part, but this is not completely unexpected. Overall, I was very satisfied with everything.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Getting more involved with school clubs sooner.